It’s kind of like naim is lost somewhere, no longer making its own decisions … hence …
SN3 discounted in New Zealand already ![]()
I do think a new SN is an awkward fit in the new range, as it’s competing against the 222/250, and almost everyone wants streaming. Having a SN4/332 would be an odd competition within the range?
Personally I would like to see more entry level amplification from Naim in the shoebox style so Nait, then NAC62/NAP140 equivalent.
I fervently believe that today’s Nait or small pre-power customer is tomorrow’s NAP250 customer - the entry level is so important to getting people into a brand.
I’m also of the view that a NAIT and NAIS (Naim Audio Integrated Streamer) priced at £1500 each would be a real winning combination. The first rung on the ladder of Naim separates - I’ve been bending the ear of Naim personnel on this for at least 2 years!! The Nait should be capable of conversion to a pre-amp for the later addition of the shoebox sized NAP140.
NAIS/NAIT and a pair of £1500 Focal standmounts voiced to offer PRAT would be a killer sub £5k system imho… The NAIT50 should have been a £1500 amp and would have flown off the shelves at that level. My 1988 NAIT list price was £255 back then and since then prices have more than tripled (according to RPI) so a sub-£1500 equivalent product should be achievable.
JonathanG
I agree completely but they are locked into price point mentality. If you ask about an entry level streamer, preamp, power amp and integrated, they just tell you “what’s the point? Buy an Atom/Star/Nova.”
Which of course is a different type of customer. There’s nothing wrong with any of them but you might want to build out a fully fledged separates system.
Which we still can. Just not with Naim.
I’m with you Jonathon ![]()
The need to annihilate the possibility of a scintilla of regret by publicly denying its existence sounds like it could be a manifestation of FoLoNSS (Fear of Loss of Naim Sound Syndrome). ![]()
[quote="feeling_zen, post:111, topic:38766 If someone wants to spend 7K on a system they might want separates
[/quote]
But how many? Enough to make product development viable?
They are getting there unfortunately.
DG…
All in one lifestyle systems are not a new trend. They’ve outsold separates 20:1 since the 60s.
It certainly seems worth it for other manufacturers.
But you might be right in that it isn’t worth it for Naim.
My dealer in Sapporo dropped both Rega and Linn after 40 years a while back. While costs are rising everywhere with ewduced component availability, they said most European branďs just don’t have their s%%t together and they are pushing up prices far more than Japanese and US manufacturers and delivery delays are far worse too. No one is going to buy what they are selling at the prices they are selling with the lead times they are suffering. The value is just not there outside of their European “close to home” market.
So I think there definitely is a market for what they aren’t making. But you’re probably right insofar as they cannot produce them at a competitive cost to make it worthwhile. But others can.
It would seem odd not replacing SN3 at its price point given this information.
Yes, definitely with reluctance all round. You don’t suddenly cease production of a best seller without very, very good reason. The main thing is to ensure you have the spare parts to support existing customers needs, so with Naim that always takes priority over producing as much as you can with no thought for future service needs.
Correct. I meant that but one have to be careful with which word one use - service/repair. I’ve updated my post.
Negativity happens a lot recently perhaps with good reason as naim once again are pulling the rug from under their customers. Had I just decided to spend a considerable sum on a sn3, confident the product still had longevity indicated by the recent update to the white light logo then hear that the thing is now obsolete I’d be very unhappy, both at having spent cash on what actually turned out to be an end of life product and at suffering the huge depreciation that is associated with non current items. And it’s not like this sudden endings is uncommon nowadays - this shakes confidence in the brand. And btw why did naim not ensure security of supply of parts and components? Being forced to close down a production line is hugely costly, both in regards to brand damage and operation costs- if they can’t manage basic rules of manufacture how can customers be confident in any facet of naim operations …this is terrible news if sadly not surprising. Ah well,there’s another couple of grand shaved off the value of my hi fi kit that the kids can’t cash in when I pass over to non existence…
I think you have either misunderstood or perhaps decided to take a negative view regardless here. The way I see it, by quickly ceasing production they have done quite the opposite - they are ensuring that remaining stocks of parts are ring fenced for ongoing and future spares support for existing customers.
It would be very interesting to know what’s in short supply. ALPS still make pots readiliy available. And electrolytic capacitors generally are not advised to be used in products once they have sat unused on a shelf for 2 years. Are they perhaps having issues with relays or transistors?
Indeed. Even spare parts have a shelf life? Still, it’s reassuring to know that I can continue to enjoy my SN3 for many years to come.
Funny the majority of comments here reflect a ‘glass half empty’.
Whilst it’s sad an iconic product will no longer be produced, I can imagine there are some fantastic run-out deals to be had.
I agree there’s not that much downside to the consumer. Still spoilt for choice as we are. But there’s not exactly much upside either. Neutral at best. Certainly no upside for Naim.
Honestly , supernait series are underpriced. I got my supernait 2 and demoed them with other makes but they are priced 30-40% more . And they are around the same category. And if naim are to do a SN4 or 5, at that price , they may incur losses . Cos other makes at that category are price so much higher , today
Perhaps it’s the casing.